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Ultrasone HFI 680 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£120
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Ultrasone HFI 680 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.9

Poor

4.4

Poor

6.9

Good

0.2
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
0.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
0.9
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
3.6
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
0.2
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
0.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
2.2
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
3.6
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

#552 in Best Wired Headphones
#693 in Best Over Ear Headphones

Verdict

The Ultrasone HFI-680 is a closed-back dynamic headphone featuring 40mm gold-plated drivers, a frequency range of 15 Hz to 25,000 Hz, 75 Ohm impedance, and 99 dB sensitivity. Utilizing proprietary S-Logic Plus technology for a more natural surround soundstage and ULE (Ultra Low Emission) MU-metal shielding to reduce electromagnetic radiation by up to 98%, it offers a balanced sound signature with punchy bass and detailed highs. Main advantages include its foldable, durable design, excellent passive noise isolation, and high efficiency that allows it to be driven easily by portable devices. However, potential drawbacks include a long, non-detachable 3-metre cable that can be microphonic and stiff for mobile use, a high initial clamping force that may require stretching for comfort, and a tendency for the treble to be slightly sharp or sibilant before a significant burn-in period.

Technical Specifications of Ultrasone HFI 680

Overall score

4.9

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.

Sound

5.2

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Active noise cancellation (ANC)

What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology

When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

Driver type

What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used

When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic

Driver size

What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit

When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of drivers

What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup

When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

Lowest frequency

What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce

When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

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Calls & Controls

1.2

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Noise-canceling microphone

What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls

When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Can be used as a headset

What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.

When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of microphones

What it is: Total number of built-in microphones

When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

N/A

Boom microphone

What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity

When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

N/A

Microphone SNR

What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone

When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A

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Connectivity

6.2

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Connectivity

What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)

When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

Bluetooth version

What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported

When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A

Maximum Bluetooth range

What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device

When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A

Audio latency

What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode

When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A

Multipoint support

What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices

When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

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Features

2.7

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Ambient sound mode

What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness

When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

EQ support

What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer

When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

Companion app

What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates

When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Adjustable ANC levels

What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels

When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A

Voice assistant support

What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant

When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

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Battery

1.0

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Battery life

What it is: Playback time on a single charge

When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A

Battery life with ANC

What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled

When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A

Charging time

What it is: Time required for a full battery charge

When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A

Quick charge

What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period

When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Battery capacity

What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery

When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A

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Design

5.5

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Ultrasone

Form factor

What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)

When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

over-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

Acoustic design

What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)

When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back

Clamp force

What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head

When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

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Ultrasone HFI 680 vs the average headphone

Why is Ultrasone HFI 680 better than the average headphone?

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Spatial audio support
Ultrasone HFI 680 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
What it is: Supports immersive surround sound playback
When it matters: When movies, games, and immersive mixes are part of your listening.
Importance: MEDIUM
Ultrasone HFI 680 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Ultrasone HFI 680 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.
Importance: MEDIUM
Ultrasone HFI 680 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
Foldable design
Ultrasone HFI 680 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
What it is: Earcups or headband can fold for compact storage
When it matters: When you travel often and want easier storage in a bag.
Importance: LOW
Ultrasone HFI 680 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
5,000 Hz higher treble extension
Ultrasone HFI 680 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (25,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=24000 Hz
Ultrasone HFI 680 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (25,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.25000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
1.8 m more useful cable length
Ultrasone HFI 680 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
What it is: Length of the supplied audio cable
When it matters: When your desk, TV, or audio setup needs more or less movement range.
Importance: LOW
Ultrasone HFI 680 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.3 m vs 1.2 m
3 Hz lower bass extension
Ultrasone HFI 680 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (15 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <=10 Hz
Ultrasone HFI 680 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (15 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.15 Hz vs 18 Hz
Foldable design
Ultrasone HFI 680 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
1.8 m more useful cable length
Ultrasone HFI 680 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
Spatial audio support
Ultrasone HFI 680 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
5,000 Hz higher treble extension
Ultrasone HFI 680 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (25,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
3 Hz lower bass extension
Ultrasone HFI 680 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (15 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Ultrasone HFI 680 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.

Why is Ultrasone HFI 680 worse than the average headphone?

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Fixed cable
Ultrasone HFI 680 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
30.7% higher weight
Ultrasone HFI 680 is heavier than the average headphone (285 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Tangle-prone cable
Ultrasone HFI 680 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
3 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Ultrasone HFI 680 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (99 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
11 dB lower max SPL
Ultrasone HFI 680 has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (99 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
Not headset-ready
Ultrasone HFI 680 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
No voice assistant support
Ultrasone HFI 680 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
9 years older release date
Ultrasone HFI 680 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,008 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
October 2008
No voice assistant support
Ultrasone HFI 680 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.
Importance: LOW
Ultrasone HFI 680 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
Fixed cable
Ultrasone HFI 680 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.
Importance: MEDIUM
Ultrasone HFI 680 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
30.7% higher weight
Ultrasone HFI 680 is heavier than the average headphone (285 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <150 g
Ultrasone HFI 680 is heavier than the average headphone (285 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.285 g vs 218 g
Not headset-ready
Ultrasone HFI 680 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.
Importance: MEDIUM
Ultrasone HFI 680 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
3 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Ultrasone HFI 680 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (99 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=106 dB/mW
Ultrasone HFI 680 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (99 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.99 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
Tangle-prone cable
Ultrasone HFI 680 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.
Importance: LOW
Ultrasone HFI 680 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
9 years older release date
Ultrasone HFI 680 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,008 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
October 2008
What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=2020
Ultrasone HFI 680 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,008 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2008 vs 2017
15.2% lower user score
Ultrasone HFI 680 has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.95 vs 8.000).
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Ultrasone HFI 680 has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.95 vs 8.000).6.95 vs 8

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of Ultrasone HFI 680 and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Ultrasone HFI 680?

Impressive bass response with good punch and attack
Wide soundstage for a closed-back headphone due to S-Logic technology
Extremely durable construction and 'rock solid' design
Relatively balanced sound profile compared to other HFI models
Effective passive noise isolation and minimal sound leakage
Foldable design makes them convenient for storage and travel

What customers dislike about Ultrasone HFI 680?

Stock cable is noted as being too long (3m), thick, and stiff for portable use
Strong clamping force can be uncomfortable and may require manual stretching of the headband
Slight lack of detail in the upper treble and occasional harshness
Mids can lack texture and detail compared to high-end open-back alternatives
Requires a significant amount of burn-in time (up to 500 hours according to some users)
Pleather ear pads can cause heat build-up during long listening sessions

Expert reviews

head-fi.org

05/05/2010

Ultrasone HFI-680 | Headphone Reviews and Discussion

The Ultrasone HFI-680Go to product viewer dialog for this item. is a closed-back headphone praised on Head-Fi for its exceptional clarity, strong imaging, and aggressive sound profile featuring deep, punchy sub-bass that remains controlled. It utilizes S-Logic technology to create a surprisingly open soundstage for a closed design, combined with a robust, durable, and easily driven,...Read more

slashgear.com

10/02/2009

Ultrasone HFI-680 Headphones Review 💡 Quick tip: These headphones feature S-Logic Plus technology, which is designed to reduce sound pressure on the...

The Ultrasone HFI-680 closed-back headphones, priced at $230, are praised for their robust build quality, flexible folding design, and broad soundstage that successfully mimics open-back models. They feature highly adjustable, tilting, and swivelling ear cups, along with a long 3-metre single-sided cable equipped with durable stress relief protectors and a secure screw-on 1/4-inch...Read more

passionforsound.com.au

27/11/2011

Ultrasone HFI-680 | Passion For Sound

The Ultrasone HFI-680 is a closed-back headphone priced around AUD $300 that is reviewed as the natural and balanced option within the Ultrasone HFI lineup. It delivers an excellent bass performance characterized by a precise, high-feeling attack and impactful mass that mimics a live concert experience, though certain heavy tracks can occasionally cause uncomfortable pressure. The...Read more

cnet.com

22/10/2010

Ultrasone HFI review: Ultrasone HFI

The Ultrasone HFI-680 is a full-size, closed-back pair of headphones retailing for around $220 that features a handsome design with machined metal on the outer earcups and comfortable, oval-shaped faux-leather cushions. On the positive side, these headphones provide strong isolation from external noise, fold down for compact storage, and include a 10-foot-long attached cable with...Read more

futurelooks.com

17/03/2009

Ultrasone HFI-680 Natural Surround Sound Headphone Review

The Ultrasone HFI-680 Natural Surround Sound Headphones review on Futurelooks highlights a mix of premium craftsmanship and notable ergonomic trade-offs. Pros include exceptional build quality, featuring machined aluminum earcups and production out of Taiwan, which the reviewer notes yields a higher quality standard than mainland Chinese alternatives. Structurally, the headphones...Read more

techpowerup.com

14/10/2008

Ultrasone HFI-680 Headphones Review

The TechPowerUp review of the Ultrasone HFI-680 headphones highlights a "smiley face" frequency response with controlled, massive bass, excellent sound quality, and an expansive soundstage enabled by S-Logic technology, all housed in a durable, foldable design. While offering high efficiency for portable use, the headphones are noted for high microphonics from the cable, a...Read more

hifitest.de

15/03/2011

Ultrasone HFI 680 Review - Excellent Hi-Fi Headphones

Review Summary The Ultrasone HFI 680 is a closed-back, over-ear hifi headphone awarded a 4.0 out of 5-star rating in the "Spitzenklasse" (top-tier) category for its price range of around 190 Euro. Built with extensive metal shielding to minimize electromagnetic waves, the headphones deliver a premium tactile feel while remaining lighter than competing models like those from Shure....Read more

open-end-music.com

27/09/2008

Ultrasone Headphones - A Comparison Test of the HFI Series

The reviewer explores four closed-back headphone models from Ultrasone, specifically focusing on the entry-level HFI 680 and HFI 780, the mid-tier PRO 900, and the flagship Edition 9. Across the lineup, the headphones are praised for their robust German build quality, clear tonal separation, high detail retrieval, and a realistic soundstage that successfully minimizes the...Read more

kopfhoerer.de

20/10/2010

Ultrasone HFI-680 review on kopfhoerer.de", "Ultrasone HFI-680 tested by kopfhoerer.de

The Ultrasone HFI-680 is reviewed as a closed-back, over-ear hi-fi headphone that delivers a remarkably fresh, neutral, and cohesive sound profile. A major standout feature is the integration of Ultrasone's patented S-Logic Natural Surround Sound Plus technology, which expands the traditional physical barriers of closed headphones to create an exceptionally wide stereo image and...Read more

wiki.tellementnomade.org

13/07/2011

Listening Feedback: Ultrasone HFi 680 - So Portable", "Listening Review: Ultrasone HFi 680 - Truly Mobile

The requested summary of the Tellement Nomade forum review cannot be generated, as the system is unable to access external, specific URL content, such as wiki.tellementnomade.org/viewtopic.php?t=1146. To provide a detailed analysis of the product's pros and cons, the text of the review must be provided directly for analysis. Please paste the text of the review to receive a detailed...Read more

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